NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Texas Tech TE Terrance Carter Jr

Daniel HarmsNov 24, 2025

Terrance Carter Jr. has top-tier yards-after-the-catch tools with make-you-miss ability rarely found among tight end prospects. He's the caliber of prospect that offenses will scheme into space and funnel the ball toward him.

A former 3-star recruit from Louisiana, the 6'2", 245-pound big slot receiver and move tight end transferred to Texas Tech after posting 76 catches for 944 yards and seven touchdowns during his three seasons with the Ragin' Cajuns. His movement skills helped the Red Raiders generate big plays and develop into an explosive offense.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Where He Wins

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— Carter presents a unique blend of size, speed and movement skills after the catch. He creates matchup advantages when motioned and schemed into space to maximize his impact.

— Routinely makes the first man miss. Once the ball is in his hands, the game truly begins. He reads defensive leverage well and matches that with quick feet to change direction and get into space for more yards.

— Still growing as a route runner, Carter flashes route-intention with directional manipulation tactics, as well as hesitation at the top of routes.

— Carter's skills as a blocker can be maximized when he's on the move, whether as an H-back, split-zone blocker or puller as a traditional inline option.

Areas of Improvement

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— Carter must improve his blocking technique and play-strength at the point of attack. In-line drive-blocking is almost non-existent in his game, and he gets easily dislodged by defensive ends.

— His route tree is limited, in part because of his usage. Also, Carter doesn't "win" enough without the scheme. By playing through contact during his route and at the catch point, he can increase his impact in other areas besides after the catch.

— Learning to read defensive zones pre-snap, adjust his route accordingly and become readily available for easy completions.